Breaking Boundaries: Hidden Impact of Cliques in Vet Med cliques in veterinary medicine
February 21, 2024|Animal Lovers and Med Team, Authenticity & Self Expression, Grief Support, Overall Health, Personal Growth, Self Development, Self Help, Self Mastery, Team Building
Breaking Boundaries Part I: Unveiling the Hidden Impact of Cliques in Veterinary Medicine
Introduction:
In the vibrant and dynamic world of veterinary medicine, collaboration and teamwork are the cornerstones of success. Yet, amidst the shared passion for animal care and healing, a phenomenon can subtly undermine these ideals: cliques. Like invisible barriers, cliques can form within veterinary teams, creating divisions and fostering an atmosphere of exclusion.
In this inaugural installment of our series, we unraveled the intricate web of cliques within the veterinary medicine community. By shining a light on this often-overlooked aspect of workplace dynamics, we aim to deepen our understanding of its impact on workplace culture, professional relationships, and the overall well-being of veterinary professionals.
The Anatomy of Cliques:
A clique is a tight-knit group within a larger social or professional circle characterized by a shared identity, interests, or values. In veterinary medicine, cliques can form among colleagues with similar backgrounds, specialties, or career aspirations. While these groups may initially arise organically, they can quickly solidify into exclusive circles that inadvertently ostracize others.
From inside jokes and exclusive social gatherings to subtle favoritism and exclusionary behavior, cliques can manifest in myriad ways, subtly shaping the dynamics of veterinary teams.
The Impact on Workplace Culture:
Cliques profoundly impact workplace culture, shaping the overall atmosphere and sense of belonging within a veterinary practice. When cliques dominate the social landscape, they can create an environment where specific individuals feel marginalized or isolated. Unfortunately leading to feelings of alienation and resentment, eroding the sense of unity and camaraderie essential for effective teamwork. Over time, this can contribute to a toxic work environment marked by tension, distrust, and low morale. Also, it is noteworthy to mention that this can also cause harm and heavy grief due to symbolic losses.
Please take the time to see this insightful article from pubmed published in 2023 explaining more in depth on suicides in veterinary medicine here. If you would like to listen to my podcast reading and commentary of this article click HERE. It is time we come together as a community, work together as a team of unique individuals and realize that unfortunately, a "one-size-fits-all" approach to practicing in our field is not working.
Navigating Professional Relationships:
In addition to affecting workplace culture, cliques can influence professional relationships within veterinary teams. Colleagues of the same clique may naturally gravitate towards one another, forming close-knit alliances that extend beyond professional boundaries. While these relationships can foster collaboration and support, they can inadvertently exclude others and create barriers to effective communication. This can hinder the exchange of ideas and information, impeding the collective growth and development of the veterinary team.
Protecting Overall Well-being:
Perhaps most importantly, cliques can significantly impact the overall well-being of veterinary professionals. Those who feel excluded or marginalized by cliques will likely experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout. The sense of isolation and lack of support can and will take an immense toll on mental and emotional health, affecting job satisfaction and overall quality of life. Furthermore, cliques can create a culture of competition and comparison, where individuals feel pressure to conform to certain norms or standards to fit in.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cliques represent a complex and multifaceted phenomenon within the veterinary medicine community. While they may arise from a desire for connection and camaraderie, cliques can inadvertently perpetuate exclusion and division. By recognizing the impact of cliques on workplace culture, professional relationships, and overall well-being, veterinary professionals can collaborate towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Join us in the next installment of our series as we explore strategies for addressing and mitigating the effects of cliques in veterinary medicine, but this also may apply to the medical field overall.
For additional team support and resources on team inclusion, gossip and clique intervention, grief support for acute grief (including symbolic losses) and overall wellness for veterinary professionals and pet lovers, visit www.theindigophoenix.com or contact us at [email protected]. You may also visit our calendar today to book a consultation. We will treat your goals as our own and devise a winning plan to make your business thrive again!
Until next time, be well.
The Indigo Phoenix